Northern San Juan

Snowpack

Ann Mellick · Mar 4, 2011 · Northern San Juan

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Weather

cool with blustery north winds and convective showers

Snowpack

Convective showers yielded periods of heavy snow and strong winds. Average of 6" of new snow as of 2 PM, but drifted up to 12" deep. 4-6mm graupel at base of new snow. Snow and wind forming very soft, shallow slabs on most slopes. New snow sluffed or ran as very soft slab on steep north and east facing slopes with ski cuts. Slides were limited to new snow and only D1. Obscured skies limited observations of above treeline areas. However, one long running shallow natural ran on a south aspect from above treeline. Thick buried crusts on sunny slopes (from prior warm weather) keeping slabs from breaking deeper. New snow load not affecting deeper layers. Lee southerly slopes loading with northwest wind. Extensive sluffing expected when the sun returns on Saturday.